Stapling an extracorporeal Billroth-I anastomosis by the complete double stapling technique after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy is one of the major treatments for early stage gastric cancer, particularly in the East Asia. In this method, extracorporeal anastomosis is performed via a small laparotomy wound, but excessive tissue traction may be encountered during the anastomotic procedure. Therefore, we developed an original procedure for extracorporeal Billroth-I reconstruction: end-to-end stapling gastroduodenostomy with complete double stapling technique. This procedure aims to reduce the problems related to maneuvers through a small laparotomy.

METHODS: An end-to-end anastomosis is constructed on the transection line using a circular stapler inserted from the distal end of the greater curvature of the remnant stomach. Short-term outcomes were reviewed in 218 consecutive patients who underwent complete double stapling technique reconstruction after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy between 2002 and 2012. Findings from GI endoscopy were reviewed in 110 patients.

RESULTS: The mean operative time was 216 min, and mean blood loss was 163 mL. There was no conversion to the open surgery and no operative death. Eight patients (3.6%) had anastomosis-related postoperative complications. In follow-up endoscopic examinations 1 year after surgery, grade 3 or higher residual food was seen in 17.2% of patients. Gastritis extending to the entire remnant stomach was observed in 8.2% of patients, and grade 3 gastritis was seen in 2.7%. Los Angeles classification grade A or higher reflux esophagitis was found in 10.9%.

CONCLUSIONS: Billroth-I reconstruction by the complete double stapling technique is a safe and feasible procedure. This method provides satisfactory short-term outcomes, including the incidence of reflex remnant gastritis and esophagitis.